Any of the systems of dual control of certain activities in animals by nervous and hormonal stimulation. For example, the posterior pituitary gland and the medulla of the adrenal gland receive direct nervous stimulation to secrete their hormones, whereas the anterior pituitary gland is stimulated by releasing hormones from the hypothalamus. Similarly, development, metamorphosis, and moulting in insects are regulated by a neuroendocrine mechanism.